Program Helps Those with Disabilities Find Meaningful Work

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OMAHA (KPTM) -- Finding employment has always been especially difficult for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, but one local organization is helping those folks find jobs and in the process, truly changing their lives.

22-year-old Jeff Sladek isn't one of those people who dread going to work. "I like it. It's a nice place," he said.

Two afternoons a week, he's on the clock at the Merchant and Gould Law Firm in downtown Omaha. "I shred. Filing and then I clean the kitchen," Sladek said.

Jeff got the job with the help of Mosaic's Liberty Employment Solutions Program. "We take the stance that anybody who wants to work out in the community can," said Mosaic Associate Director Brett Samson.

The one and a half year old program serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them identify their interests and strengths, and then in finding a job. "We've seen an advantage in behavioral and social skills when they're out in the community," Samson said.

Such is the case for Jeff. Job coach Amber Arnold follows him at work, making sure he meets his boss's expectations. "He's matured so much. His job here I just think it makes him feel a lot more important," she said.

Managing partner Ryan Grace says Jeff does a great job. "It was nice to get another body in the office and Jeff has a great personality, he works really hard," he said.

Mosaic leaders say that roughly 50 people in the program have the same potential, though only half are currently employed. "It's very important. I mean just the self worth that people feel when they get an actual job, you can see it in their face," Arnold said.

A program changing lives, but also one that needs the public's help. "The program is expensive. We have to use a lot of fundraising dollars to keep the program alive and working," Samson said. "Every day, every success we have, we see the importance of it grow."

The program is designed to provide on the job support to workers as long as they need it, but the goal is to for them to be successful independently.

Mosaic needs your help making sure those services are still available. Leaders are hosting a "Heartland Hoedown" fundraiser Saturday, May 2 in Ashland. The event includes food, dancing, entertainment and a live and silent auction. Tickets are 75 dollars a person and all the proceeds go toward the Liberty Employment Solutions Program. For more information on the benefit, visit http://www.mosaicinfo.org/heartlandhoedown